hi, I’ve decided to go private to see an endocrinologist re my thyroid - min 12 month waiting list currently. My antibodies are high, and I feel as though the left side of my neck is constricted at times others it’s like a tight band round my throat. For the past year my heat intolerance has got worse. I can be sitting comfortably in a room of 17-18 degrees Celsius and suddenly my body literally feels on fire with my temperature jumping up to 39 degrees C.
I’ve got a list from thyroid Uk with info for doctors, however, I’m in Glasgow and am struggling to find someone close at hand. Does anyone know of any local consultants?
Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated. Thank you
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Fiona1510
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In case you don’t get anywhere locally, please be aware that many of the consultants and doctors on the TUK list have been offering video appointments since the pandemic started.
thank you so much. My GP is really good, actually gave me into trouble as I’d done my own antibodies and Vit test. He referred me on due to the high antibodies. I’ve not had a coeliac blood test but am due to get bloods done soon so will speak to him and get these added so I’ve got them for the private consultation. Thank you for the full reply and links. Really appreciate it. I will post my results when I get them.
Hi, I’ve finally got a private consultation next Saturday and got my blood results that I will post below. Any thoughts on them would be hugely appreciated and helpful. I’ve just realised my haematology results are not here. Will chase them up tomorrow.
thank you so much. I really struggle to get my brain around T3/T4 conversion. I'm currently on folic acid and nothing else. I will start vit D as got some and look at something for my other vitamins. I'm hopeful the doc I'm seeing on Saturday can help with sorting out some T3 for me to get things more balanced as I'm constantly tired, depressed and have insomnia
I'm not on any type of diet but am looking at gluten free. I'm 57 and post menopausal. Again thank you for sharing your knowledge it's hugely appreciated ❤️
Personally I would give improving vitamin levels and changing diet at least 3 months to see how significantly it can improve conversion rate before considering adding T3
Other things to consider
Always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Trying splitting levothyroxine as half dose waking and half dose at bedtime
Dairy free as well as gluten free (it’s not as daunting as it sounds …..once you get used to it )
Test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 in 2-3 months
all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options and money off codes
A trial of strictly gluten free diet is always worth doing
Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac but a further 81% of Hashimoto’s patients who try gluten free diet find noticeable or significant improvement or find it’s essential
Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% find dairy free beneficial
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as folic acid
once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you can probably reduce and then stop the separate B12 (unless vegetarian or vegan) and just carry on with the folic acid prescribed for folate deficiency ….Once folic acid prescription is finished then change to a daily GOOD QUALITY vitamin B Complex.
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
Thorne currently difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20
If you want to try a different brand in the meantime, one with virtually identical doses of the ingredients, and bioavailable too, then take a look at Vitablossom Liposomal B Complex. Amazon sometimes has it branded Vitablossom but it's also available there branded as Yipmai, it's the same supplement
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12
How other member saw how effective improving low B vitamins has been
Thank you for the information. Hugely appreciated. Just an update as finally saw a private endo.
I’ve been started on T3 5 mg twice daily and my Levo dropped to 100mcgs. My GP did my prescription today so hopefully I will have them by Thursday. Fingers crossed they help my symptoms although they may need to be tweaked a bit but time will tell.I’m getting an ultrasound next month as my thyroid is calcified - noted on an old X-ray and my antibodies are high so possibly got an adenoma which can be removed using a Glasgow ENT Surgeon on the NHS if required.
I’m going to take a look at vitamin replacement as you mentioned and get some tablets. Here’s hoping in a few months I’m more like my old self instead of someone who feels 80 on a daily basis x
Hi, The Glasgow Parliament had a big discussion in the provision of thyroid hormones some months ago and I'll give you a link.
You could always approach/letter to Elaine Smith MP who brought the case before the Members that we should be prescribed thyroid hormones that restore our health.
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